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Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Fire Protection for Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) administers a fire protection program for fuel cycle facilities, which handle the following stages of the nuclear fuel cycle:

The principal risk to health and safety at these facilities is the release and dispersal of hazardous chemicals and radioactive material as a result of a fire or explosion. To mitigate that risk, a fire protection program for nuclear fuel cycle facilities has the following primary purposes:

  • Prevent, detect, extinguish, limit, or control fires and explosions.
  • Prevent releases that might expose the general public to hazardous chemicals and radioactive material.
  • Protect facility workers from occupational exposure.
  • Shield the facility against fire-induced criticality events and losses of confinement.

The NRC's Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS) administers the agency's Fire Protection Program for Fuel Cycle Facilities through a combination of regulations, guidance, and related licensing and oversight activities (including reliability assessments and modeling).

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, March 20, 2020

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, March 20, 2020